Ancelotti has likened Terry to his former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini and said: "He can continue until he is 39 or 40 years old.

"He has no physical problems, and a lot of passion, those are the most important things that allow you to continue. The careers of Maldini and Terry are very similar, not just in terms of their play but in terms of their professionalism.

"These days, with the preparation and the physical training we put in, and the work we have done on prevention [of injuries], the age players can play to will go up. When I played, 33 or 34 [was the end]. Now players can play at 36 or 37 without a problem.

"Maldini used his body very well. He was a very quick player, strong also but very quick. And I don't see a big difference between him and John Terry. Like Maldini at Milan, Terry was born in this club. Like Maldini, he came through the academy first and he has a very good feeling for this club, which is so important."